After reading all the existential works of the famous Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, he was one of the best if not the most prolific writers of all time. His works are celebrated worldwide and have sold over 15 million copies, which is very promising. However, the Russian genius writer can be a little intriguing in his works as he wrote 4 major novels which are an excellent read.
But if you are new to his literature, it can be tough to choose his works. Thus, here is the list or a fade ranking of Dostoevsky’s work which I feel you should check out first. It is a subjective list and does not undermine the different works. However, it will give you an idea about what to read or check out first when it comes to reading Dostoevsky for the first time.
There Is No Worst In Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky’s works are some of the finest works in all of literature and there is no worse novel in the list. However, some stories are more resonating and thought-provoking than others and that is why I have put the list in the following order.
1. Brothers Karamazov
The book questions the most fundamental truths of our life in free will, punishment and redemption. The Brothers Karamazov is nothing of a literary masterpiece and challenges the rationale of modern men in search of meaning. It is one of those books which you need to read in your lifetime if you are interested in reading.
2. Crime and Punishment
Dostoevsky is widely known for his work in Crime and Punishment which is also a literary spectacle. The book follows the story of a young man who commits two murders and then finds himself in a place of guilt and search for redemption. The extraordinary title is truly a gem of its time and depicts the lack of order in an immoral society.
3. The Devils
The Devils of Demons is also a great novel by Dostoevsky which portrays the psyche of a people with the mission to overthrow the government. The book exposes the lack of values present in the rebellion and its catastrophic impact on society.
4. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Lastly, The Idiot is another great book by Dostoevsky which revolves around a foolish but honest character who navigates his way through the hypocritical and corrupt society. It is a very good read, however the book lacks the aura of Dostoevsky’s other title.
Conclusion
So, these were my thoughts on the four novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky. All of them are great reads but if you want to thoroughly enjoy his literature; start reading from Brothers Karamazov to The Idiot. Apart from that, Dostoevsky also wrote short stories, one of which is the ‘White Nights.’ It is a great story that offers a lot about human nature and the restlessness of the main protagonist.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is Dostoevsky famous for?
Fyodor Dostoevsky is famous for the following works:
- The Idiot
- Demons
- White Nights
- Crime and Punishment
- Brothers Karamazov
What was Fyodor Dostoevsky’s saddest quote?
The saddest quote by Dostoevsky might be, ‘Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The great men must, I think, have great sadness on Earth.’
What did Dostoevsky say about love?
‘To love someone means to see them as God intended them,’ is a great line about love from Fyodor.
What was Dostoevsky’s famous quote?
“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.”
